Bentley refreshed its entire lineup for the 2009 model and introduced more powerful engines for its cars, including a Speed version for the GTC.
Do you know that saying with “New Year, new me”? For Bentley, that was true. It had to adapt its products to the Euro 5 emission rules and, along with the upgraded engine, it added some aesthetic tweaks to its cars. For the open-top Continental, it introduced the Speed version powered by Volkswagen’s W12 engine.

There was a striking difference at the lower bumper area at the front, where the design team enlarged the center air-intake and filled it with a mesh-grille design, and applied the same pattern for the side-scoops. The radiator’s grille was more upright, while the headlamps featured chrome bezels.

Inside, the GTC Speed’s cabin was based on the Mulliner Driving Specification fitted as standard. It featured diamond quilted hide seats with embroidered Bentley emblems. Its three-spoke multi-function steering wheel featured brushed aluminum switches surroundings. To further resemble the brand’s racing heritage, Bentley installed drilled alloy pedals and “Speed” logos on the treadplates.

Under the hood, the carmaker installed the most powerful version of the 6.0-liter W12 engine. Fed by a pair of turbochargers, it developed 610 horses, which were sent in all corners via a 6-speed automatic transmission. For the Speed version, the carmaker installed carbon-ceramic brakes and a stiffer suspension.